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mariahistryingtoread's review against another edition
3.0
(I didn't realize this was a sequel or I would have read that first, however, whatever happened in the first one did not have any significant bearing on this one that I could see so it didn't end up mattering in the end.)
In-Verse is a bit hit or miss for me so keep that in mind.
That being said, I'm not sure if this book would appeal to kids all that much, not because the topic is a little heavy given how much COVID might have affected them - though that definitely should be kept in mind when considering giving it to a kid - but because it reads a lot like a checklist of things that occurred in the first several months of 2020. For kids who actually lived through it and have a decent memory it doesn't add much to stand out.
They most likely recall how they felt in those moments enough on their own and Garvey doesn't offer a new perspective or insight into these events. The fact that it is in-verse means there isn't a lot of deep dive into any particular facet. It's like an average kids' guide to COVID 2020 and I'm not sure many kids would find it interesting without another big draw or gimmick to the concept.
In-Verse is a bit hit or miss for me so keep that in mind.
That being said, I'm not sure if this book would appeal to kids all that much, not because the topic is a little heavy given how much COVID might have affected them - though that definitely should be kept in mind when considering giving it to a kid - but because it reads a lot like a checklist of things that occurred in the first several months of 2020. For kids who actually lived through it and have a decent memory it doesn't add much to stand out.
They most likely recall how they felt in those moments enough on their own and Garvey doesn't offer a new perspective or insight into these events. The fact that it is in-verse means there isn't a lot of deep dive into any particular facet. It's like an average kids' guide to COVID 2020 and I'm not sure many kids would find it interesting without another big draw or gimmick to the concept.
bibliobrandie's review against another edition
5.0
We get to revisit Garvey, this time we get to experience COVID-19 through his eyes. I loved how you could feel the growth of all the characters and how Garvey and his father have connected through music. I also loved how Garvey found a way to use music to bring hope to both his father and himself as well as others who are suffering. For me this was a difficult read, I didn't want to experience all those feelings/fears of the first days of COVID again, but I think it's an important book for generations to come. I also think some students will get to work out their own feelings by reading these pages. I am always amazed by Grimes's use of poetry. In this collection, as with the earlier Garvey's choice, she uses the Tanka form.
jackiejoyreads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
maeve_littooij's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality, Racism, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Death
jade13's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pandemic/Epidemic
tiggerrd's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
amypt46's review against another edition
4.0
Great novel in verse as usual from this author, but the ending felt very abrupt. I wanted more
retiredlibrarylady's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderful story about a young man caught up in the covid pandemic and in quarantine. Told in verse (of course, it's Nikki Grimes!). I think young people will identify with his experiences, especially the need to be with friends.